Refuel Energy plans renewable diesel, SAF project in Southern Ontario using Topsoe technology

Refuel Energy would supply the Toronto metropolitan area with renewable diesel and SAF if plans to build Refuel YYZ move forward.

Refuel Energy Inc. announced April 19 that, although a final investment decision has not been made, planning is underway for the construction of a renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant in Southern Ontario scaled at 126,000 gallons per day, or nearly 46 million gallons per year when annualized. The company expects to make a final investment decision in 2023. If approved, production at the new facility, named Refuel YYZ, would start in 2025. YYZ is the airport identification code for the Toronto Pearson International Airport as well as a song from Canadian rock group Rush. The facility would supply fuel needs of the Toronto metropolitan area, a region of 6 million people, and is strategically located to export fuel to the U.S. Northeast.

The plant would utilize Topsoe’s proprietary HydroFlex™ and H2bridge™ technologies for renewable diesel and SAF production using a mix of feedstock including used cooking oil, animal fats and nonedible crops. Fluor Corp. is the contractor for Refuel YYZ and will be providing front-end engineering and design services, as well as detailed engineering, procurement, and construction management support.

“This is an important milestone in the development of Refuel YYZ,” said Zohrab Mawani, director and co-founder of Refuel. “We are thrilled to be building such a strong team with Topsoe and Fluor to produce our renewable fuels, ensuring a successful project execution. There is much exciting news to share as we continue development and get closer to a low-carbon future.”

Henrik Rasmussen, Topsoe’s managing director for the Americas, added, “We are very pleased that Refuel has selected Topsoe’s HydroFlex™ and H2bridge™ technologies for this state-of-the-art, standalone renewable diesel and SAF facility. Our market-leading technologies are complementary and together they will produce some of the lowest carbon intensity renewable fuels in the world.”